Voters Opt For Leaner Government

March 12, 1992

Broward County voters` decision to abolish the Port Everglades Authority wasn`t just a cry for reform. It could be a sign that residents feel its time to begin consolidating some government agencies -- a badly-needed move.

In 1994, the port will be placed squarely in the hands of the Broward County Commission, which will hire a manager to run the $35-million-a-year operation.

Voters apparently were fed up with the years of scandals and political intrigue, culminating in a U.S. Justice Department investigation and a critical state audit.

They never got over the port commissioners` decision in 1989 to impose a one- year countywide property tax in the midst of controversy over questionable financial deals and wasteful spending at the seaport.

The tax raised $23 million for port expansion, but riled many taxpayers.

Tuesday`s vote also may be a signal that taxpayers want a leaner, more efficient government -- one that consolidates agencies and ends overlapping responsibilities and duplicated services.

The next step, for county officials and voters, is to fully explore the pros and cons of a wide range of reforms such as abolishing or merging other government, annexing sprawling unincorporated areas and replacing a sheriff`s office run by an elected official with a police department headed by an appointed chief similar to the one in Dade County.

In the meantime, taxpayers need to keep a watchful eye on how the county commission oversees the port`s operations.

Commissioners have claimed they will put the seaport into ship-shape by hiring a professional manager who will report to the county administrator. They have promised an end to political cronyism at the port.

But them`s fighting words coming from a group of men and women who could teach Political Dealmaking 101. The public should pay close attention to who is awarded contracts and chosen to handle bond issues at the port after the commission takes over.

Port Everglades has a tremendous economic impact on Broward County. It generates about 20,000 jobs. It serves 2.3 million cruise passengers, and ships 13 million tons of petroleum and 1.5 million tons of container cargo a year.

It needs to be run like a business, not a political machine.

Voters have placed their trust in the County Commission. It shouldn`t let them down.